Originally an Atlanta native, Sharon Jones Pryse attended the University of Tennessee and has never considered leaving Knoxville. After graduating with a finance degree, she began as a clerk in the Trust Department of Valley Fidelity Bank. While still in her 20s, she became the bank’s youngest senior vice president; then at age 35, founded The Trust Company. Sharon has surrounded herself with highly qualified people who genuinely wanted to help build an independent firm that provides objective advice personalized for each individual situation.
Today, The Trust Company of Tennessee manages more than $4 billion in assets and employs 100 people across three cities. The business has grown over the last 30 years to provide wealth management, retirement plans and personal trust services through its three East Tennessee offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville and Tri-Cities.
Sharon’s long-standing community commitment includes social service, the arts, economic development and education. She has served as board chair for the Knoxville Chamber, Leadership Knoxville, YMCA of East Tennessee and United Way of Greater Knoxville and also has chaired United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. Sharon supports the university that made Knoxville her home and has served on the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and UT Foundation Board of Directors.
Personally, she is an avid traveler, yet always happily heads home to the Tennessee River. She is married to her husband, Joe, and has 3 step-children, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
Current Positions
- University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business, Dean’s Advisory Council
- Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Board of Directors
- Zoo Knoxville, Board of Directors
- St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Board Treasurer
- Friends of the Smokies, Board Chair
- YMCA of East Tennessee, Board of Directors
- United Way of Greater Knoxville, Board Co-Chair and Alexis de Tocqueville Society Member
- The Garden Conservancy, Board of Directors
Previous Positions
- The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee, Board of Trustees (2004-19)
- University of Tennessee, Board of Trustees (2013-18)
- University of Tennessee Foundation, Board of Directors (2003-10, 2013-18)
- Zoo Knoxville Board of Directors, Treasurer (2007-15)
- University of Tennessee Department of Finance, Advisory Council (2009-14)
- YMCA of East Tennessee, Board of Directors, Chair (2005-06; 2010-14)
- Leadership Knoxville, Board of Directors, Chair (2012-13)
- MEDIC Regional Blood Center, Board of Directors (2007-13)
- United Way of Greater Knoxville, Board of Directors (2007-13), Chair (2007-10), Campaign Chair (2003)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, Board of Directors (2010-13)
- Mercy Health Partners Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors (2004-09), Chair (2008-09)
- Legacy Parks Foundation, Board of Directors (2007-08)
- Maryville College, Board of Trustees (2005-08)
- Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, Board of Directors (2005-07)
- Knoxville Utilities Board, Commissioner (1991-2005)
- Development Corporation of Knox County, Board of Directors (1991-2004)
- Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation, Commissioner (1990-91)
- Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Chair (1999-2001)
- Webb School of Knoxville, Treasurer/Executive Committee (1995-99)
- Knoxville Museum of Art, Board of Directors, Executive Committee (1992-95)
- Knoxville Estate Planning Council, President (1991-92)
- Tennessee Valley Employee Benefit Council, President (1989-90)
- Child and Family Services, Treasurer/Executive Committee (1985-90)
- Tennessee Bankers Association, Trust Division, President (1988)
- Tennessee Bankers Association, Board of Directors (1987-1988)
- Southern Trust School, Birmingham, Alabama, Board of Trustees (1987-90)
- University of Tennessee Development Council
Awards, Honors, Special Recognitions
- Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service Knoxville Award, 2022
- Knoxville Museum of Art James L. Clayton Award, 2022
- Leadership Knoxville Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2022
- Emerald Youth Foundation Legacy Award, 2022
- Knoxville Chamber James A. Haslam II Chairman’s Leadership Award, 2018
- Helen Ross McNabb Center Spirit Award, 2018
- Association of Fundraising Professionals Great Smoky Mountain Chapter Legacy Award, 2016
- UT College of Business Distinguished Alum Award, 2015
- Knoxville Chamber Pinnacle Award, Woman-owned Business Excellence, 2012
- Ijams Nature Center Spirit Award, 2010
- Child and Family Services Service Award, 2010
- National Conference for Community and Justice Humanitarian Award, 2004
- Laureate Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, 2000
- YWCA Knoxville Tribute to Women Award, Business & Government Category, 1991
- Leadership Knoxville, Class of 1989